By Abena Rockcliffe
A danger looms. One of far greater consequence than Guyana losing this year’s CPL tournament. There is much peril in the furtherance of what seems to be a new fad—the weaponizing of Guyana’s territorial controversy with neighboring, unstable Venezuela.
A few weeks back, US senators started making public statements about We Invest in Nationhood’s presidential candidate, Azruddin Mohamed. They called him a “Maduro Puppet.” This narrative was also peddled on the campaign trail. While many believe that of all the criminal allegations levelled against Mohamed, he is least guilty of anything remotely close to treason, it is beyond this author’s remit to say for sure.
Next, long-time journalist, Travis Chase was labelled a Maduro puppet by the ever-so-controversial Guyanese Critic. Not so long after, it was this author’s turn. Operating in her line of duty outside the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Main Street, this author found herself facing similar allegations.
While being cheered on by scores of supporters, the ever-so malevolent Critic hurled many insults in the direction of this author. She was even called a PNC operative. Most of the remarks and insults had little effect on this author. Critic was allowed to carry on, until he crossed the line. The pseudo-journalist had the temerity to label this author a “Venezuelan operative.”
Most Guyanese have come to understand and accept that this disconcerting social media commentator is allowed to operate with impunity and is thus emboldened.
But the reality is this. He ought to have limits, especially when touching on matters of national importance with intricacies that may be inconceivable to his mind.
Nicolas Maduro may be a dictator who continues to hold on to power. His actions and polices may have resulted in an economic collapse, causing some 8 million of his people to leave Venezuela in search of a better life. But he is no novice; his bus-driving days are long behind him. He is known to be strategic, always keeping tabs on his opponents and interests.
His interest is Guyana. He knows everything of consequence to his mission. In 2023, when Maduro and President Dr. Irfaan Ali met in St. Vincent, this author witnessed when Maduro walked into the meeting clutching a folder as thick as an encyclopedia. Reports are that, included in that folder, were letters written by Guyanese and published here. Maduro and his team always have their eyes out for Guyanese who even angle as unpatriotic. It is a feather in his cap. He takes pleasure in any narrative that depicts Guyanese on the side of the enemy.
Maduro not only wants Guyana’s rightful territory; he uses the controversy as a pawn in his political game. At almost every election, one can expect some form of escalation in tension between Guyana and Venezuela. Maduro uses the controversy to toy with the emotions of his people, who are taught in school that Essequibo belongs to them. Invoking nationalism is one of the many ways he tries to hold on to power and distract his people from their hardships.
But the thing is, nationalism often unites a people. It is not as powerful now in Venezuela because many are simply sick and tired, but it is a strategy widely employed by political leaders looking to unite their people for a common cause.
While Maduro weaponizes the controversy in a manner that, by and large, unites his people, Guyanese are busy using it to divide. Again, this author cannot pronounce on the legitimacy of the allegations made against the Mohameds. But personal experience leads one to lend empathy to the plight of others. I was labelled a Venezuelan operative when I am damn sure I am not. I am for country.
To borrow the words of Pluto Shervington, “I man on ya, I man born ya”. I used to think I would never “leave ya,” sweet Guyana. But when lunatics are emboldened to use a real threat against my country, as a weapon to diminish my character, essentially labelling me a traitor, I wonder.
I do not expect the masses to care whether I choose to stay in Guyana. I expect and hope that they take note of the fact that there are people giving Maduro ammunition while furthering a cause of segregation. There must be another way to handle dissenting voices.
Labelling true Guyanese with a proven allegiance to country as traitors cannot be the answer. Not only is it ignominious to those on the receiving end of those allegations, but it can also come back to haunt Guyana in more ways than one. When dealing with a territorial controversy, it is least efficacious to plant certain ideas in the minds of citizens. Patriotism should be our mantra.
This author remembers calling out former Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton when he said, on the floor of the National Assembly, that the People’s Progress Party/Civic Government is Guyana’s greatest enemy. It was said then, and the author will say it again, Nicolas Maduro, and any other force seeking to take our territory must always, always be seen as the greatest enemy.
